Things to Consider Before Planning an Event in the LBC
The City of Long Beach has different requirements for each event, based on specific details. It is highly recommended to connect with the City of Long Beach Department of Special Events or an approved event operator before confirming event details with vendors or promoters.
Download PDF with the full document here.
*NOTE: All fees listed below are subject to change.
Where will your event be held?
Use the drop-down sections below to navigate our recommendations on planning your event based on where your event will be held.
The event is on Private Property
You WILL NEED:
- Active Business License (Fee: Dependent on details of business)
- Property Use Agreement (No Fee)
- If event is being held on property other than your own, we will need proof of permission from property owner and its current occupancy rating.
- Occasional Event Permit (OEP) for each event day (limit 12 per year) (Fee: $102/day)
All OEP permit applicants (including non-profits) and their participating vendors MUST have a business license in good standing to apply.
The event is intended for a 1 DAY Permit for businesses who do not have an entertainment license to have entertainment on private property and must be FULLY CONTAINED to private property to qualify. Should any part of the event affect public property (example: attendees lining up on sidewalk, impacts neighborhood parking, etc.), organizer must apply for a Special Event permit. You may apply for an OEP every 10 days.
Fee (per event day): approximately $250
Please email Site Plans and PDF Applications to SEF-Permits@longbeach.gov
Private Property Examples:
- Business Property
- Community Rooms
- Private Parking Lots
- Private Courtyards
- Privately-owned Streets (The Promenade)
The event is on Public Property
You WILL NEED:
- Event Site Layout (No Fee)
- Active Business License (Fee: Dependent on details of business)
- Special Event Permit (SEP) (Fee: Determined by Event Tier, see below)
- SEP Checklist
- SEP Forms
All applications must be received sixty (60) days prior to the scheduled event. An Event Operator should be appointed since they will be responsible for conducting an event, gathering all permits from vendors, and for the event.
A Special Event is any organized event, small or large-scale events such as races, parades, marathons and sporting events, concerts, fairs, community events, and any organized assembly of seventy-five (75) or more people on any public space, waterway, property, structure, or public right of way, owned or controlled by the City of Long Beach.
- TIER I EVENT
- Free, open to the public, no setup, no alcohol. Example: dance recital with minimal setup & a small wedding.
- Fee (per event day): approximately $700 – $1,000 (+City staffing fees)
- TIER II EVENT
- Open to the public, no ticket for entry, minimum setup, or private nonprofit fundraising event. Example: Non-profit walk/run, festivals with free admission.
- Fee (per event day): approximately $1,400 – $1,800 (+City staffing fees)
- TIER III EVENT
- Ticketed, extensive setup in the venue with controlled access and exclusive use. Examples: Beach concerts, Food and beer festivals, large scale events.
- Fee (per event day): approximately $3,000 – $3,500 (+City staffing fees)
- FILMING
Public Property Examples:
- Streets
- City-owned Parking Lots
- Parks/Greenspaces/Beaches
- NOTE: if your event is at a Public Park in LBC, you WILL ALSO NEED
- Park and Recreation and Maine – Facility Reservation
- Application for Facility Use Permit
- Fee Wavier form
- NOTE: if your event is at a Public Park in LBC, you WILL ALSO NEED
Facility use Permit Fee is $40 and is non-refundable. This doesn’t include the facility reservation fee.
Determine your group’s eligibility for a possible reduction of rental fees by reviewing the Fee Waiver Policy. Please submit fee waiver requests a minimum of 60 days before the event to allow time for processing.
All facility rentals will include 2 staff for $30/hr. per staff in addition to the cost of renting the facility regardless of when the facility is rented. All rental booking changes must be submitted in writing and will be assessed a change fee of $35/occurrence.
A $250 refundable deposit fee is requested to secure the location and date of the event. To receive the refundable security deposit, the permittee must complete a walk-through with staff immediately before and after the reservation. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for processing of your refund.
What activities will your event have?
Use the drop-down sections below to navigate our recommendations on planning your event based on what activities your event will have.
The event has alcohol for sale
You WILL NEED:
Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Event License (per vendor)
- Fee: Varies based on event type, click here to learn more about ABC requirements: ABC-215
Private Patrol Operator (PPO) (Fee: ranges from $25-150/hour – depends on date, time, staff, security details, and duties.)
You MIGHT NEED (see Glossary of definitions at the bottom of this webpage):
- Event Site Layout (No Fee)
- Community Survey (No Fee)
- Fire Safety Officer Spot Check (Fee: $143)
The event has food for sale
You WILL NEED:
Temporary Food Facility Permit (TFF) (per vendor)
- Fee: Dependent on vendor setup and food type
You MIGHT NEED (see Glossary of definitions at the bottom of this webpage):
- Event Site Layout (No Fee)
- Private Patrol Operator (PPO) (Fee: ranges from $25-150/hour – depends on date, time, staff, security details, and duties)
- Community Survey (No Fee)
- Fire Safety Officer Spot Check (Fee: $143)
The event has live entertainment
You WILL NEED:
Special Event Permit (SEP) (Fee: Determined by Event Tier, see below)
All applications must be received sixty (60) days prior to the scheduled event. An Event Operator should be appointed since they will be responsible for conducting an event, gathering all permits from vendors, and for the event.
A Special Event is any organized event, small or large-scale events such as races, parades, marathons and sporting events, concerts, fairs, community events, and any organized assembly of seventy-five (75) or more people on any public space, waterway, property, structure, or public right of way, owned or controlled by the City of Long Beach.
- TIER I EVENT
- Free, open to the public, no setup, no alcohol. Example: dance recital with minimal setup & a small wedding.
- Fee (per event day): approximately $700 – $1,000 (+City staffing fees)
- TIER II EVENT
- Open to the public, no ticket for entry, minimum setup, or private nonprofit fundraising event. Example: Non-profit walk/run, festivals with free admission.
- Fee (per event day): approximately $1,400 – $1,800 (+City staffing fees)
- TIER III EVENT
- Ticketed, extensive setup in the venue with controlled access and exclusive use. Examples: Beach concerts, Food and beer festivals, large scale events.
- Fee (per event day): approximately $3,000 – $3,500 (+City staffing fees)
- FILMING
You MIGHT NEED (see Glossary of definitions at the bottom of this webpage):
- Event Site Layout (No Fee)
- Private Patrol Operator (PPO) (Fee: ranges from $25-150/hour – depends on date, time, staff, security details, and duties)
- Community Survey (No Fee)
- Fire Safety Officer Spot Check (Fee: $143)
Live Entertainment Examples:
- Disc Jockeys
- Live Musicians/Bands
- Performance Artists
- Anything with projected sound
- Other types of entertainment (this is a separate category, not live entertainment; different permitting process):
- Fireworks
- Drones
- Petting Zoo
Operators & Venues
Click below to learn more about DTLB event planning resources.
DTLB Event Operators & Venues
DTLB Event Operators:
*Inquire for event organizer referrals at JustineN@DTLB.org
DTLB Event Venues: click to view
Glossary: Terms & Definitions
Click below to learn more about the requirements for all event types.
Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Event License
California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
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